Guide
Auction fees explained (Copart / IAAI / Manheim)
Auction hammer price is not your cash in. Gate fees, buyer fees, transportation, and storage can erase a “deal” before recon starts. Model fees inside Max Buy.
Max Buy = Expected Resale / (1 + Target ROI) − Repairs − Fees − Transport. Auction buyer fees belong in Fees; tow/transport belongs in Transport.
Why fees surprise new flippers
Copart, IAAI, and Manheim (and many regionals) publish fee schedules that vary by price tier, title type, membership, and location. Exact dollars change — always read the current fee chart for your lane. This guide is education, not a fee quote.
Fee buckets to model every time
- Buyer / auction fee — often tiered by hammer price.
- Gate / yard / documentation — pickup and paperwork friction.
- Storage — clocks start fast if you delay tow.
- Transport — especially on non-runners and cross-state moves.
- Broker / membership — if you buy through a service.
Manheim vs salvage auctions (high level)
Manheim-style dealer auctions often skew cleaner retail inventory with dealer norms and MMR context. Copart/IAAI skew salvage/repairable and as-is risk. Independent Marketplace flippers should not assume auction “cheap” equals retail profit — especially on salvage. See salvage title risks.
Worked fee discipline
If Expected Resale is $11,000, target ROI 20%, repairs $1,500, auction/title fees $650, transport $400 → Max Buy = 11000/1.2 − 1500 − 650 − 400 ≈ $6,617. A $7,200 hammer that “felt cheap” fails the math.
FAQ
Can you list exact Copart fees here?
No — schedules change by site and date. Check the auction’s current fee table before you bid.
Do fees include recon?
No. Recon is separate. Underestimating both is how auction buys go negative.
Should Marketplace flippers use auctions?
Only if you can underwrite fees, title type, and exit. Many flippers do fine staying private-party only.
Do this next
Run the free calculator with your real numbers. When you want market comps and repair exposure instead of guesses, run a full FlipDrive IQ analysis.
Related guides
FlipDrive IQ is decision-support software, not a vehicle inspection, appraisal, or guarantee of resale value. Price ranges in this guide are illustrative — verify with KBB, Edmunds, Manheim MMR, and local comps before you buy.